WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States is trying to reclaim Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from the Taliban, during remarks to reporters alongside U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
Trump framed the comment as part of a broader critique of the way the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan and suggested the base could have strategic importance. He said, "We're trying to get that base back, but one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it's an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons," though he offered no elaboration on who might be negotiating or what the Taliban might seek.
Trump did not specify who he said would be involved or what concessions would be sought if the base were returned. He also criticized the handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden, telling reporters that he had "a little breaking news" about the episode but did not provide new details beyond reiterating his opposition to the execution of the exit.
Analysts have noted that Bagram Airfield, located in Parwan Province, served as a major U.S. and NATO base during the war and became a symbol of the decade-long conflict after the Taliban seized control of much of the country in 2021 as American and allied forces withdrew. The United States has not operated from Bagram since the withdrawal was completed in 2021, and the site has since been under Taliban governance. The remarks come amid ongoing political debate in Washington over Afghanistan policy and the broader lessons of the U.S. withdrawal.
The White House and Pentagon have stressed ongoing concerns about ensuring counterterrorism capabilities in the region, while U.S. officials have warned against any result that could enable renewed threats. The administration has said it remains focused on preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups. In the current political climate, Trump’s remarks underscore the persistence of unresolved questions about the long-term U.S. presence and influence in Afghanistan, as well as broader questions about how past decisions continue to shape U.S. foreign policy strategy.